Originally desired to design civil infrastructures and bridges, Yida started his academic career in civil engineering at Montana State University. He became interested in water reclamation and sustainable water reuse technologies after seeing the strong need of clean water in his hometown in China. After earning his bachelor’s degree and two years of work at Western Transpiration Institute (WTI) as an undergraduate researcher, Yida confirmed his interests in environmental research and obtained his master’s degree in environmental engineering from UIUC. He is currently a graduate student in Dr. Strathmann’s group, where his research involves the study of transformation mechanisms of organophosphate esters and the influence of their structure on transformation rates under environmentally relevant conditions; He is also working on a project which evaluates the fate and transport of contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) in soil and water systems, focusing on the transformation trends of micropollutants and their interaction with surrounding environments. Outside of lab, Yida enjoys exploring the beautiful Colorado through skiing and mountain biking.

Garrett McKay (PhD UC Boulder) joins the group as a postdoctoral research associate. Garrett will be conducting research on photochemical treatment and destruction of perfluoro- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in waste concentrate streams.